a tale of three journals: journal the third

 

I first introduced you to Journal the Third in this post. It was the first new journal that I'd bought in very long time--I can't even remember how long. Usually, I prefer to make them myself because 1.) I can, and 2.) I usually already have a specific idea in mind about the size, feel and page makeup for each new journal I start. Although there are some amazing journals out there that I often find myself drooling over, I rarely run into one, outside a plain spiral bound watercolor book, that I think will quite fit what I need in a journal. To be completely honest, Journal the Third is definitely slumming it coming into our little family of journals. She is way too good for the rest of us--me included--but has been a real trooper and adapted wonderfully to the back and forth between adoration and abuse that my journals all to often see around here.

 

When I first got her, she welcomed me right in, but I still tried to protect her by taking off her lovely linen cover every time we got messy with the paint. But by now, she's just one of the girls and prefers me not to get too fussy with her.

Besides the obvious, the beauty of Journal the Third is the way she's built. Sturdy and solid with a variety of pages to choose from different weights and sizes. It all makes for fabulous journal building. I've noticed that it comes more naturally for me to extend a page here or tuck in a little something there than in any of my other books. So many nooks and crannies. I imagine it could take me years to exhaust all the possibilities in this book.

 

Journal the Third opens up with something completely different for me. Who knows where this came from. Because it's the smallest of my journals--about 7x8.5x2"--I carry it around with me most often. The finished pages tend to be less polished (if anything I make can be said to be polished) and have more inclusions. I've added all kinds of stuff in here; everything has a story. To me, there's a sort of 'travel journal' feel to #3.

Some in progress pages:

Some completed pages: 

So there you go. This is where I've been keeping myself lately. With a few stray minutes at the sewing machine or knitting needles. I have several other journals in-progress that I haven't worked in in a while and I'll give you a peek at those as well if you're interested. I know I'll make it back around to them eventually so I do keep them close. If there is one thing that I could accomplish by showing you my 3 closest companions, it would be to just encourage those of you who are thinking about art journaling to give it a try. It is the most user-friendly art medium out there. I don't consider the work I do in my journals to be my 'best' art, but it is definitely the work that is closest to my heart. If I never ventured outside the bounds of the book, I'd still be one satisfied artist.
 
Well, it seems that the holiday season is fast upon us and I'm beginning to feel that hurry-up-and-enjoy-it-before-it-slips-away feeling which has me working on a hulking November to-do list that I'll share with you next time. Until then.... 

Comments

[kira]

It's so nice to see into one of Rebecca's journals. And I love all the writing!! Too often, I see beautiful journals that don't say anything....to hear you're carrying her around and really writing in her, becoming friends...oh, perfect!

[Lynn]

I definitely want to see MORE. I too like what I see in the art, the craft of adding to the pages in photos, folded pages, writing etc. I am just starting to try this so all your ideas inspire me. Thanks for sharing and glad eating tacos from the street vendors did not make you sick. I had a different experience in Mexico years ago! LOL

[littleblackkitty]

Thanks, Lynn, and Im sooo glad I could inspire you to jump into journaling! And about the tacos, I was VERY nervous the whole time we were in Mexico, as Im a serious germophobe, but thankfully God protected us on this trip! Our friends know me well and only took us to the most reliable places. It really helps to have locals who can lead you around, otherwise every taco stand looks the same to me! Sorry about your bad food experience--sounds like a good topic for a journal page, though! ;-)

xo,

debra

Debra Cooper

My Artist Blog: A Little Imagination and A Pile of Junk

Shop littleblackkittyart on Etsy

[Paula]

Just wonderful! It begs you to touch it and it's bursting with energy!

[Lindart]

I love your journal and I have a question- how do you add things to it? Do you have a special hole punch? And once the holes are punched, how do you get it into the book? My new journal that I will be starting soon is bound like yours, and I would like to try adding things to it. I don't have a hole puncher. . .
Thanks!

[littleblackkitty]

Thanks so much, Paula! ;-)

xo,

debra

Debra Cooper

My Artist Blog: A Little Imagination and A Pile of Junk

Shop littleblackkittyart on Etsy

[Jessica]

Your journals are absolutely fabulous! Bursting with color and chockful of creativity - very inspiring!

[Misty Kirkland]

Hey girl just checking in with you and what you guys are up to on Thanksgiving. I've been meeting myself coming and going, and havn't gotten a chance to call. Drop me a line & let me know. Off to paint! Still trying to stock my shop.

[Vanessa]

Absolutely gorgeous...I wish I could hold this journal and get lost in the pages. My journals don't even come close, but you have given me much inspiration. I'm such a late bloomer when it comes to expressing the art that has been hiding inside my head and heart, I'll be 48 next month, and feel like I'm on the edge of some great discovery. Thanks for giving me some great ideas.

[dawn]

oh man, GORGEOUS as always.